Garritt, Linda (Leclair)
Linda (Leclair) Garritt, 80, of Columbia, CT, passed away peacefully on February 26, 2023, surrounded by her family. She was born in Willimantic, CT, the daughter of the late Eugene and Sophie Leclair.
Linda grew up in Willimantic and graduated from Windham High School in 1960. She then attended the Willimantic Institute of Hairdressing where she not only earned her hairdressing license but also became an instructor. Over the next 40 years she enjoyed her career as a hairstylist and colorist, working at several area salons, running her own business, and working with her many wonderful clients.
As a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, Linda treasured spending time with her family and loved playing cards with her grandchildren. One of her greatest joys was hosting holidays with the aroma of her cooking in the kitchen and family gathered around the table. She would show her love with both grand gestures and small deeds, never forgetting a birthday, first day of school, or some other accomplishment by her grandkids. She enjoyed tennis and golf, playing in the Ladies' golf league at Blackledge Country Club for several years. She loved travelling to new places with Tip, taking many cruises and trips through the US and abroad, and was an avid skier spending weekends in the mountains of New England with her family and traveling to Europe for longer vacations. Linda was also a wonderful gardener and loved to knit, wrapping her family and friends with her creations, putting her heart and soul into every piece.
In 2001, Linda joined the Columbia Lions Club, an organization she long admired. Whether it was selling tickets for the annual chicken barbeque or raising money for the Journey for Sight, there was no job she was not willing to undertake. Some of her favorites included working with the Columbia Leos, creating Christmas gift baskets for local families, and decorating the gazebo for the annual Christmas lighting. She received great joy from giving back to her community. She became the first woman President of the Columbia Lions Club in 2013-14 and was awarded the Knight of the Blind, serving in total for more than 20 years. As her President's project, she led the effort to install the globe lights along the walkway on Columbia Green. So, when you're passing through town on a cold, snowy evening and you see a warm glow by the gazebo, please think of Lion Linda.
Linda is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Claude (Tip) Garritt, and her children David Garritt and his wife Elizabeth of Tolland, CT, and Jennifer (Garritt) Erensen and her husband Jon of Greenwich, CT. She also leaves five cherished grandchildren Thomas (Teddy) Erensen, Kaylee Garritt, Andrew Erensen, Caiden Garritt, and Owen Erensen. She was predeceased by her sister Carol (Leclair) Burell and brother Robert Leclair.
Linda's family will receive friends and family on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Potter Funeral Home, 456 Jackson St. (Rt.195), Willimantic, CT. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, March 8 at 11:00 am at the Columbia Congregational Church, 325 Rt. 87, Columbia, CT. The family will host a reception at the church immediately following the ceremony. Burial will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider a donation in her honor to the Columbia Lions Club, PO Box 1, Columbia, CT 06237. For an online memorial guestbook please visit www. potterfuneralhome.com.